GB2355238A - Floating a vehicle upper part from a lower frame - Google Patents

Floating a vehicle upper part from a lower frame Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2355238A
GB2355238A GB0025007A GB0025007A GB2355238A GB 2355238 A GB2355238 A GB 2355238A GB 0025007 A GB0025007 A GB 0025007A GB 0025007 A GB0025007 A GB 0025007A GB 2355238 A GB2355238 A GB 2355238A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
vehicle
vehicle frame
floating device
vehicle part
controlling
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB0025007A
Other versions
GB2355238B (en
GB0025007D0 (en
Inventor
David K Platner
Kurt A Burmeister
Ragnar Ledesman
Steven R Miller
Mark P Reynolds
Monte G Williams
Thomas Hughes
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems LLC
Original Assignee
Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems LLC filed Critical Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems LLC
Publication of GB0025007D0 publication Critical patent/GB0025007D0/en
Publication of GB2355238A publication Critical patent/GB2355238A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2355238B publication Critical patent/GB2355238B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/015—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
    • B60G17/0152—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by the action on a particular type of suspension unit
    • B60G17/0157—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by the action on a particular type of suspension unit non-fluid unit, e.g. electric motor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D24/00—Connections between vehicle body and vehicle frame
    • B62D24/04—Vehicle body mounted on resilient suspension for movement relative to the vehicle frame
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D33/00—Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles
    • B62D33/06—Drivers' cabs
    • B62D33/0604—Cabs insulated against vibrations or noise, e.g. with elastic suspension
    • B62D33/0608—Cabs insulated against vibrations or noise, e.g. with elastic suspension pneumatic or hydraulic suspension
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F15/00—Suppression of vibrations in systems; Means or arrangements for avoiding or reducing out-of-balance forces, e.g. due to motion
    • F16F15/02—Suppression of vibrations of non-rotating, e.g. reciprocating systems; Suppression of vibrations of rotating systems by use of members not moving with the rotating systems
    • F16F15/03—Suppression of vibrations of non-rotating, e.g. reciprocating systems; Suppression of vibrations of rotating systems by use of members not moving with the rotating systems using magnetic or electromagnetic means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
    • B60G2202/40—Type of actuator
    • B60G2202/42—Electric actuator
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
    • B60G2204/10—Mounting of suspension elements
    • B60G2204/16—Mounting of vehicle body on chassis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2400/00—Indexing codes relating to detected, measured or calculated conditions or factors
    • B60G2400/80—Exterior conditions
    • B60G2400/82—Ground surface
    • B60G2400/821—Uneven, rough road sensing affecting vehicle body vibration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2800/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of movement or to the condition of the vehicle and to the end result to be achieved by the control action
    • B60G2800/24—Steering, cornering
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2800/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of movement or to the condition of the vehicle and to the end result to be achieved by the control action
    • B60G2800/90—System Controller type
    • B60G2800/91—Suspension Control
    • B60G2800/916—Body Vibration Control

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)

Abstract

A method and system for floating an upper vehicle part 32 from a lower vehicle frame 34 includes a primary floating device 40, coupled to either the upper vehicle part or the lower vehicle frame, floats the upper vehicle part freely separate from the lower vehicle frame. A plurality of sensors sense appropriate road inputs 44. An electronic control unit 42, coupled to the primary floating device and the plurality of sensors, receives the road inputs and generates control signals for controlling the primary floating device in order to minimize movement of the upper vehicle part with respect to the lower vehicle frame.

Description

2355238 METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FLOATING A VEHICLE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIO
The invention relates to methods and systems for free-floating upper vehicle parts from lower vehicle frames.
The suspension of a vehicle allows it to drive smoothly over a bumpy road.
The wheels may jolt up and down, but. springs between the wheel axles and the body of the car flex and take up the force of the jolts. This ensures that the force of the bumping is not transferred to the vehicle cab. Springs alone produce a bouncing motion, so the suspension also contains dampers, commonly known as shock absorbers. These slow the movement of the springs to prevent the vehicle and its occupants bouncing up and down.
Current suspension systems require a rigid mechanical link between the vehicle body and the vehicle frame, as shown very schematically in Figure 1.
- Typically, each pair of wheels 10 are coupled together via an axle 12 to form the lower part of the vehicle frame. Of course, vehicles have several axle/wheel sets.
The upper vehicle part 14 is then suspended above the wheels 10 and axle 12 via suspension elements 16. The upper vehicle part 1 4 is typically further mechanically linked to at least one axle 12 via the steering wheel linkage 18, which controls steering of the wheels 10 in response to rotation of steering wheel 20. However, with many of the vehicle systems being converted to electronic controls, such. as electronic steering, there is no longer a need for rigid links.
I SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIO
A method and system for free-floating the vehicle frame from the wheels is disclosed.
A primary floating device is coupled to one of an upper vehicle part and a lower vehicle frame of a vehicle for floating the-upper vehicle part freely separate from the lower vehicle frame. A plurality of sensors sense appropriate road inputs.
An electronic control unit is coupled to the primary floating device and the sensors for generating control signals based on the sensed road inputs for controlling the primary floating device to minimize movement of the upper vehicle part with respect to the lower vehicle frame. The electronic control unit controls the primary floating device to control a height between the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame, In one embodiment of the present inv ention, the primary floating device comprises an air-cushion generating device that provides a cushion of air between the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame. The electroniccontrol unit, in response to the sensed road inputs, controls a height of the air cushion.
In an alternative embodiment, the primary floating device comprises an electromagnetic device that generates an electromagnetic field between the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame. Here, -the electronic control unit controls a strength of the electromagnetic field accordingly.
In yet another embodiment, a plurality of the primary floating devices are concentrated at various locations between the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame to provide fast response to the control signals in controlling dynamic forces associated with the vehicle.
These and other features of the present invention can be understood from the following specification and drawings.
2 BRIEF DVSCRTETTON OF THF DRAWINGS Figure I is a schematic plan view of a conventional vehicle suspension system; Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of a the suspension system according to the present invention; and Figure 3 is a top- view of the system of the present invention.
DRTATLFD DRSCRTPTTON OF A PRF.FFRRFD EMBODIMENT Figure 2 shows a system 30 incorporating the present invention. The system includes a vehicle having an upper vehicle part 32 and a lower vehicle frame 34, wherein lower vehicle frame 34 consists of wheels 36 and frame member 38, A primary floating device 40 is connected to either one of the lower vehicle frame 34 and the upper vehicle part 32 for creating a varying amount of height between the' upper vehicle part 32 and the lower vehicle frame 34 without the use of rigid mechanical links.
Primary floating device 40 may be an air-cushion generating device that generates a varying cushion of air between the upper vehicle part 32 and the lower vehicle frame 34 to free float the upper'vehicle part -32 separate from the lower vehicle frame 34. Alternatively, primary floating device 40 may be an electromagnetic device that generates a varying 'electromagnetic field between the upper vehicle part 32 and the lower vehicle frame 34.
An electronic control unit 42 is coupled to the primary floating device 40 to control the varying height between the upper vehicle part 32 and the lower vehicle frame 34. Electronic control unit 42 generates control signals that control either the height of the air cushion or the strength of the electromagnetic field. The control signals are generated in response to road inputs 44 as sensed by various sensors including, but not limited to, a vehicle speed sensor, a steering wheel angle sensor, and a vertical acceleration sensor.
In order to control dynamic forces against the vehicle, such as sudden or extreme movement, a plurality of the primary floating devices 40 are concentrated at 3 various locations 46, as shown in Figure 3. These concentrated areas 46 provide either higher volumes of air flow or stronger electromagnetic field strength than the rest of the area of the primary floating device 40.
Further, as shown schematically in Figure 2, the system 30 incorporates a so called steer-by wire system 50. A sensor and transmitter 52, which may be an RF transmitter, records steering inputs and transmits the inputs from a steering wheel 53 to a steering system receiver and drive 55 associated with axle 54 to turn wheels 36 without any mechanical connection, i.e., a wireless connection. The steering system is shown schematically and is itself known in the art. However, the incorpo ration of such a system into the free floating system of this application is unique.
Preferred embodiments have been disclosed. However, a worker skilled in this art would recognize that modifications would come within the scope of this invention. Thus, the following claims should be studied to determine the scope and content of this invention.
4 CLADIS

Claims (17)

  1. What is claimed is:
    L. In a vehicle having an upper vehicle part and a lower vehicle frame, the upper vehicle part being coupled to the vehkle frame via a non-fixed connection, a method for floating the vehicle comprising:
    providing a primary floating device coupled to one of the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame for floating the upper vehicle part freely separate from the lower vehicle frame; sensing a plurality of road inputs; and generating control signals based on the sensed road inputs for controlling the primary floating device to minimize movement of the upper vehicle part with respect to the lower vehicle frame.
  2. 2. The method as recited in claim I wherein controlling the primary floating device Ruther includes controlling a height between the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame.
  3. 3. The method ' as recited in claim 1 wherein providing the primary 2.0 floating device comprises providing a cushion of air between the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame and wherein controlling the primary floating device includes controlling a height of the air cushion.
  4. 4. The method as recited. in claim I wherein providing the primary floating device comprises providing an electromagnetic field between the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame and wherein controlling the primary floating device includes controlling a strength of the electromagnetic field.
  5. 5. The method as recited in claim I further comprising providing a plurality of the primary floating devices concentrated at a plurality of predetermined locations between the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame to provide fast response to the control signals in controlling dynamic forces associated with the vehicle.
  6. 6. In a vehicle having an upper vehicle part and a lower vehicle frame, the upper vehicle part being coupled to the vehicle frame via.a non-fixed connection, a system for floating the vehicle comprising:
    a primary floating device, coupled to or e of the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame, for floating the upper vehicle part freely separate from the lower vehicle frame; a plurality of sensors for sensing a plurality of road inputs; and an electronic control unit, coupled to the primary floating device and the plurality of sensors, for receiving the road inputs and generating control signals for controlling the primary floating device to minimize movement of the upper vehicle part with respect to the lower vehicle frame.
  7. 7. The system as recited in claim 6 wherein the electronic control unit, in controlling the primary floating device, is further operative to control a height between the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame.
  8. 8. The system as recited in claim 6 wherein the primary float ing device is an air-cushion generating device providing a cushion of air between the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame and wherein the electronic control unit, in controlling the primary floating device, is further operative to control a height of the air cushion.
    6
  9. 9. The system as recited in claim 6 wherein the primary floating device is an electromagnetic device providing an electromagnetic field between the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame and wherein the electronic control unit, in controllin g the primary floating device, is further operative to control a strength of the electromagnetic field.
  10. 10. The system as recited in claim 6 further comprising a plurality of the primary floating devices concentrated at a plurality of predetermined locations between the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame to provide fast response to the control signals in.controlling dynamic forces associated with the vehicle.
  11. 11. The system associated in claim 6 wherein the vehicle further comprises a steering wheel for steering the vehicle and a drive unit for turning wheels of the vehicle as directed by the steering wheel, and wherein the steering wheel is connected to the drive unit via a wireless connection.
  12. 12. A vehicle comprising:
    an upper vehicle part; a lower vehicle frame connected to the upper vehicle part via a non-fixed connection; a primary floating device for floating the upper vehicle part freely separate from the lower vehicle frame; a plurality of sensors for sensing a plurality of road inputs; and an electronic control unit, coupled to the primary floating device and the plurality of sensors, for receiving the road inputs and generating control signals for controlling the primary floating device to minimize movement of the upper vehicle part with respect to the lower vehicle frame.
  13. 13. The vehicle as recited in claim 12 wherein the electronic control unit, in controlling the primary floating device, is further operative to control a height between the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame.
    7
  14. 14. The vehicle as recited in claim 12 wherein the primary floating device is an air-cushion generating device providing a cushion of air between the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame and wherein the electronic control unit, in controlling the primary floating device, is further operative to control a height of the air cushion.
  15. 15. The vehicle as recited in claim 12 wherein the primary floating device is an electromagnetic device providing an electromagnetic field between the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame and wherein the electronic control unit, in controlling the primary floating device, is further operative to control a strength of the electromagnetic field.
  16. 16.. The vehicle as recited in claim 12 further comprising a plurality of the primary floating devices concentrated at a plurality of predetermined locations between the upper vehicle part and the lower vehicle frame to provide fast response to the control signals in controlling dynamic forces associated with the vehicle..
  17. 17. The vehicle as recited in claim 12 wherein the upper vehicle part includes a steering wheel for steering the vehicle and the lower vehicle frame includes a drive unit for turning wheels of the vehicle as directed by the steering wheel, wherein the steering wheel is connected to the drive unit. via a wireless connection.
    9
GB0025007A 1999-10-15 2000-10-12 Method and system for floating a vehicle Expired - Fee Related GB2355238B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/418,809 US6186257B1 (en) 1999-10-15 1999-10-15 Method and system for floating a vehicle

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0025007D0 GB0025007D0 (en) 2000-11-29
GB2355238A true GB2355238A (en) 2001-04-18
GB2355238B GB2355238B (en) 2003-12-03

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ID=23659657

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0025007A Expired - Fee Related GB2355238B (en) 1999-10-15 2000-10-12 Method and system for floating a vehicle

Country Status (3)

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US (1) US6186257B1 (en)
DE (1) DE10050568A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2355238B (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102005004449B4 (en) * 2005-02-01 2008-11-27 Daimler Ag motor vehicle
FR2900383B1 (en) * 2006-04-26 2008-10-31 Jean Loic Desbos FOUR WHEEL VEHICLE HAVING THE FEATURE OF TILTING THE COTTAGE ON THE COAST WHERE IT TURNS
CN107264609A (en) * 2017-06-28 2017-10-20 苏州见真物联科技有限公司 Perambulator with shock-absorbing function
CN107264610A (en) * 2017-06-28 2017-10-20 苏州见真物联科技有限公司 A kind of perambulator with incabloc function

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2014522A (en) * 1978-02-15 1979-08-30 Daimler Benz Ag A driver's cab for commercial vehicles
GB2116920A (en) * 1982-03-19 1983-10-05 Lucas Ind Plc Vehicle suspension systems
US5299651A (en) * 1992-07-02 1994-04-05 Navistar International Transportation Corp. Truck cab suspension system
US5725066A (en) * 1995-09-06 1998-03-10 Applied Power Inc. Active tractor suspension system
WO1998056642A1 (en) * 1997-06-13 1998-12-17 Lord Corporation Controllable cab suspension
EP0936124A2 (en) * 1998-02-12 1999-08-18 MANNESMANN Aktiengesellschaft Device for active lateral centring and damping of vibrations of railway vehicles (AQZ cylinder)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3261418A (en) * 1960-04-14 1966-07-19 Bertin & Cie Air cushion track arrangement for vehicle
US3950038A (en) * 1972-06-12 1976-04-13 Aero-Go Engineering & Development Co. Fluid bearing track device
US4440253A (en) * 1981-07-06 1984-04-03 Bertil Pernum Crawler-type transport apparatus
US4567957A (en) * 1983-11-23 1986-02-04 American Industrial Research, Inc. Air pallet with endless belt interface
DD241531A3 (en) * 1984-09-05 1986-12-17 Bauakademie Ddr FLUID TRANSPORT RAUPE

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2014522A (en) * 1978-02-15 1979-08-30 Daimler Benz Ag A driver's cab for commercial vehicles
GB2116920A (en) * 1982-03-19 1983-10-05 Lucas Ind Plc Vehicle suspension systems
US5299651A (en) * 1992-07-02 1994-04-05 Navistar International Transportation Corp. Truck cab suspension system
US5725066A (en) * 1995-09-06 1998-03-10 Applied Power Inc. Active tractor suspension system
WO1998056642A1 (en) * 1997-06-13 1998-12-17 Lord Corporation Controllable cab suspension
EP0936124A2 (en) * 1998-02-12 1999-08-18 MANNESMANN Aktiengesellschaft Device for active lateral centring and damping of vibrations of railway vehicles (AQZ cylinder)

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6186257B1 (en) 2001-02-13
GB2355238B (en) 2003-12-03
GB0025007D0 (en) 2000-11-29
DE10050568A1 (en) 2001-05-10

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Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20081012